Turkish FM Fidan to attend inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington

2026-02-18 - 13:12

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will travel to Washington on Thursday to attend the first meeting of the Board of Peace, representing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the inaugural gathering of the newly established international body, the Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday. The meeting brings together representatives from nations committed to post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and broader global peacemaking efforts. Türkiye's Gaza Agenda at the Summit According to diplomatic sources, Fidan's address will emphasize that efforts toward resolving the Palestinian issue must continue with determination and reaffirm Türkiye's support for initiatives in this direction. He is expected to call for an end to Israeli ceasefire violations and practices obstructing the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The minister will also affirm Türkiye's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and its readiness to contribute to Gaza's reconstruction efforts. Palestinian Rights and Regional Concerns Fidan plans to reiterate Türkiye's willingness to participate in international mechanisms established to safeguard Palestinian rights and security in Gaza. He is also expected to raise urgent concerns about Israeli pressure in the West Bank, the expansion of illegal settlements, and settler violence. The minister will reaffirm Ankara's longstanding support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Background of the New Initiative The Board of Peace was formally established on January 22 when representatives of 19 countries signed its charter on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Washington has announced that additional states have since joined the initiative, which operates with partial UN Security Council endorsement through Resolution 2803 concerning its Gaza mandate. Thursday's leaders-level meeting in Washington marks the body's first formal session, with Russia having ruled out participation. Fidan's attendance underscores Türkiye's determination to play an active role in shaping Gaza's future and contributing to regional stability.